Due to their geological and geographic history and characteristics, islands act simultaneously as cradles of evolutionary diversity and museums of formerly widespread lineages—elements that permit islands to achieve an outstanding endemicity. Nevertheless, the majority of these endemic species are inherently vulnerable due to genetic and demographic factors linked with the way islands are colonized

The evolution of species in isolation often leads to the emergence of a series of very peculiar characteristics, referred to as insular syndrome(s) (Adler and Levins, 1994). Island biota often possess characteristics that increase their fitness in pristine island environments, including size shift (gigantism or dwarfism); reduced defensive behaviour; tameness; reduced clutch size, among others.

Scientists’ warning – The outstanding biodiversity of islands is in peril
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01847

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